By la Conférence des pasteurs haïtiens (COPAH), Le National, March 31, 2026
True to its mission of spiritual, moral, and civic vigilance, the Conference of Haitian Pastors (COPAH), on the occasion of the commemoration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Savior of humanity, expresses a profound sense of dismay at the denial and compromise of certain Haitian "elites." These individuals, for acknowledged and unacknowledged reasons, are engaging in collusion with hostile actors, contributing to maintaining and perpetuating chaos in Haiti.
This situation is manifested in a set of well-established mechanisms. On the one hand, the organization of "selection-elections" through sham electoral councils allows individuals lacking the necessary skills to govern to reach the highest levels of the state. These structures are often composed of men and women who enjoy the blessing of foreign embassies or are subject to the influence of political parties and a segment of the economic class.
On the other hand, instability is perpetuated by an endless succession of transitional governments. Those responsible for this situation claim to want to organize elections quickly, while simultaneously failing to take the necessary steps to restore security. Yesterday, as today, everything seems designed to prevent the Haitian people from freely exercising their right to choose their leaders.
These internal dynamics interact with external influences that accentuate the progressive loss of national sovereignty. The direct interference of major power embassies, combined with the ill-timed pronouncements of certain diplomats, further weakens the decision-making capacity of the Haitian state.
At the same time, Haiti finds itself marginalized in the forums where security issues concerning it are debated. This void is filled by other regional actors, who actively participate in these discussions and even disseminate information about Haiti through their own media outlets. The recent announcement by Dominican authorities of the arrival in Haiti of a force tasked with suppressing gangs is a worrying example of this.
The people born in 1804, forged in sacrifice and dignity, cannot accept being reduced to mere pawns in geopolitical maneuvers. Yet, this situation is made possible by the abdication of certain sons and daughters of the nation. If Judah betrayed Jesus for "thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-16), they have renounced the sovereignty and self-determination of the Haitian people. They have betrayed the legacy of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Benoît Batraville, Rosalvo Bobo, Charlemagne Péralte, and so many others, for paltry gains: a visa, residency abroad, or personal privileges.
Like the disciples who remained faithful to the foot of the cross, this moral desertion has plunged COPAH into deep consternation. We know this feeling is widely shared. Many are struggling to overcome this disillusionment.
However, we refuse to be paralyzed by shame or discouragement. On the contrary, we choose to arm ourselves with courage and persevere until the end of the Haitian people's ordeal.
The consequences of these compromises are immense, and it will take time for defenders of liberty to recover. The time between Jesus' death and his resurrection seemed long, almost endless, especially for Mary, his mother. Yet her faith in the promise of the resurrection and in the power of the Holy Spirit sustained her. She witnessed not only the sufferings of Good Friday, but also the glory of Easter morning.
Likewise, we affirm with faith that the resurrection transforms apparent defeat into victory. Thus, we believe that "the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead" (Romans 8:11), who also animated our heroes, will strengthen each and every one of us to become the builders of a new Haiti—a Haiti where those who sell out their rights for petty interests will no longer find a place.
Like the resurrection of Christ in three days or the war of independence that lasted thirteen years, our people can rise again, but this requires courage and strategy. The Haitian crisis is not solely the result of internal chaos: it is fueled by corrupt elites who betray the people and by imperialist and neocolonial forces that manipulate, exploit, and paralyze any momentum for progress. Every weakened institution, every decision contrary to the national interest, every compromise with foreign powers, strengthens the yoke of a system designed to keep Haiti under economic and political domination.
Liberation is not a utopia: it is within reach if the population commits itself fully and acts intelligently. It is time for our elites to assume their responsibilities and for the Haitian people to regain control of their destiny, by resisting external pressures and building a state capable of defending its citizens and its future. Haiti's freedom, as in the past, is possible, but it requires boldness, unity, and vision.
The situation is serious. But it calls for intelligence, discernment, and vigilance. It is up to us to build, in peace, a prosperous future for Haitians, both inside and outside the country.
This understanding demands that we position ourselves as genuine interlocutors and partners within the international community—not as mere executors or "yes-men." In a changing world, marked by the intensification of geopolitical rivalries, Haiti must equip itself with visionary leaders capable of defending its interests and confronting new geostrategic realities.
We must also be vigilant so as not to be deceived by the destroyers of the nation who, through electoral maneuvers and subterfuge, seek to cling to power. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
Port-au-Prince, March 30, 2026
Dr. Ernst Pierre Vincent
President of COPAH
Rev. Pastor Ismael BAPTISTE
Executive Secretary of COPAH
Posted April 5, 2026